Alkaline treated starch is a carbohydrate polymer prepared by treating starch or starch granules with inorganic alkalis such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which is later neutralised by the addition of an acid like hydrochloric acid. This causes the starch to partially hydrolyse (breakdown). Starch is a natural polysaccharide derived from the seeds, roots, and leaves of corn, wheat, potato, rice, tapioca and sago. The properties of alkaline treated starch change with the heat and alkali treatment applied, as does the varying degree of solubility in cold water. Alkaline treated starch is used as a thickener, stabiliser and binder.